In Tennessee football’s season-opening win over Syracuse, defensive back Boo Carter came off the bench to play 27 snaps at the STAR position. During this 45-26 victory over the Orange in Atlanta, he posted one tackle, which was a solo effort. He nearly brought down quarterback Steve Angeli for a sack, but couldn’t complete the play, as well.
However, despite his time on defense, he did not return any punts. Instead, it was redshirt freshman receiver Braylon Staley and freshman running back Daune Morris out deep. Neither seemingly had the green light to return, though, with fair catches called on Syracuse’s boots.
After Tennessee’s defense forced three-and-out on ETSU’s opening drive of its week two clash, Carter finally got the nod. He returned the punt 16 yards with a penalty, pushing UT into Buccaneers territory to start the ensuing drive. It resulted in a 29-yard kick from Max Gilbert to give the Vols a 10-0 lead with 9:28 remaining in the first quarter.
On defense, it was once again Jalen McMurray who got the start at STAR. He was also manning the position on the second ETSU drive.
With another three-and-out, Carter nearly housed it. He was tripped up by the punter, the last man to beat, but still managed a 34-yard return to set up Tennessee at the 27-yard line.
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Carter was in attendance to start fall camp, but was held out of some team activities at the opening stretch of practices as he was off to the side doing individual work. After taking steps to rejoin the team as asked by fellow players and the coaching staff, he made his way back to being a participant in the team drills.
However, when Heupel has met with the media this fall, he’s been hesitant to say exactly what Carter’s role will entail this year. Instead, he’s opted to focus on the steps that Carter has taken to get to the point he is at.
Expectations are high for Carter entering his sophomore season at Tennessee. Carter totaled 38 tackles, one sack and one interception while starting five games at the STAR spot for Tennessee as a true freshman.
Carter also flashed as a punt returner late in his freshman season, totaling 198 return yards on 12 attempts. The Chattanooga native earned Freshman All-SEC honors last season and was a Preseason Third Team All-SEC selection from the league’s media.
